Survey of Trachoma Prevalence in Rural Communities of Jigawa State

Trachoma, caused by repeated infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally and remains endemic in parts of northern Nigeria. This study surveys the prevalence of trachoma and associated risk factors in three rural communities within Jigawa State, located in the North West geopolitical zone. A cross-sectional population-based study will be conducted among 500 residents across all age groups in the Dutse, Birnin Kudu, and Gwaram local government areas. Clinical grading of trachoma will be carried out using the WHO simplified trachoma grading system, which classifies follicular trachomatous inflammation, intense trachomatous inflammation, trachomatous scarring, trichiasis, and corneal opacity. Household surveys will also document water access, sanitation conditions, facial cleanliness practices, and environmental fly density. Logistic regression will be used to identify significant predictors of active trachoma. The study anticipates a notable burden of trachomatous follicular inflammation, particularly among children under 10 years. Findings will be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health's Neglected Tropical Diseases division and will support evidence-based SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) implementation in Jigawa State. This research advances understanding of trachoma epidemiology in Nigeria's North West and contributes to national blindness prevention objectives. Keywords: trachoma, prevalence, rural communities, Jigawa State, neglected tropical diseases